The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA) held its annual gala, presented by BVLGARI, at the Geffen Contemporary space in Little Tokyo. The evening introduced a new format called MOCA Legends, honoring artist Theaster Gates, architect Frank Gehry, and philanthropist Wendy Schmidt. Guests included actors Jane Fonda, David Alan Grier, Sarah Paulson, director Ava DuVernay, and artists Andrea Bowers, Charles Gaines, Henry Taylor, and Olafur Eliasson, whose exhibition OPEN was on view. After a performance by the TAIKOPROJECT Japanese drum ensemble, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi surprised attendees by introducing Gehry. Rapper Tierra Whack performed during dinner, and the event raised $3.1 million for museum operations.
The gala matters because it demonstrates MOCA’s ability to blend Hollywood celebrity, philanthropy, and contemporary art in a single high-profile fundraising event, securing crucial operational funding. The new MOCA Legends format institutionalizes recognition of key figures who have shaped the museum, reinforcing its cultural relevance and donor relationships. The $3.1 million raised directly supports the museum’s programs and exhibitions, highlighting the ongoing importance of private philanthropy for major American art institutions.